Owning 2 Macaws

[Solo]

Okay, I do not currently own a macaw but Ive been researching for a future purchase. I am torn between a Hyacinth and B&G. It will take me a good while to accumulate the finances for the Hyacinth. So my question is...if a get a B&G within the next year or 2, will I be able to get a Hyacinth in the future? I have heard horror stories of "bonded" pairs becoming unmanageable as they no longer seek the attention of their owner. Can I have 2 macaws in the same household that can interact well during play times, but not be bonded? Could this be accomplished by something as simple as 2 cages? I apologize if this seems like a silly question. I've been having difficulties finding an answer to this online, and I am still ignorant when it comes to macaws (thus the mass research before my purchase). I greatly appreciate any advice, and Im sure you all will be weary from answering all my questions before a purchase is made, but I want to make the best decision for myself, and the bird I will be spending my life with. Thank you.

 

[Birdman666]

I have two macaws (among others) a greenwing, and a red fronted. My two have a sibling rivalry relationship on some levels. They're both bonded to me... but they will both go to anyone who will pay attention to them, or play with them.

The pair bond thing CAN happen, but it usually happens because the birds are left on their own and don't get enough human interaction. It's possible, not probable.

It's also possible that one or the other will bond with you, and attack the other one. It's also possible that they can all get along. You never know until you get them together and work with them.

Somewhere on this site there's a picture of me handling four big macas at once. (One on each arm, one on each shoulder.) So, yeah, they generally will get along if properly socialized.

Socialization, socialization, and more socialization. It's all about getting them out and handled. Both together, and one on one, and with people other than "their person."

 

[sonja]

Also be aware that the ongoing care of a Hy is, well, high! It's not just the initial expense that takes a lot of money, so if finances are an issue, please take that into consideration.

 

[Birdman666]

Also be aware that the ongoing care of a Hy is, well, high! It's not just the initial expense that takes a lot of money, so if finances are an issue, please take that into consideration.

This is true.

XXL stainless steel cages tack on a few thousand more to the cost. And the cost of macadamia nuts, and palm nuts, which are staples of their diet IN ADDITION to the normal bird food expense. And those big beaks tend to snap toys like twigs... it's not unusual for a Hy to go through several chew toys a week.

So, the cost of the bird is only the beginning.

 

[Solo]

Thanks for the advice. Ive spoken to a few owners of Hys and am well aware of the continueing expense. Im currently still in college and would wait to purchase a Hy until I have the initial expense funds plus have a stable foot in my "career" instead of a job. Was curious if I could get a B&G (less expense and some handling training) within the next year or so, and be able to add a Hyacinth when Im a little further in life and macaw experience.

 

[MikeyTN]

I have two B&G, one boy one girl. They do not like each other. They have separate cages as they wanted to kill each other if too close to one another. I have to hold them separately cause they have jealousy issues.

 

[Solo]

Mikey TN, do you mind me asking if you purchased them both as babies..or adults? Since I have no intentions of breeding..would it be wise to get 2 of the same sex..if so..which gender? Full of questions today..sorry.

 

[MikeyTN]

I got Willie when he was around 2 years old and he's been with us for over 10 years and I got Lola at 2 years old as well and she's been with us for over a year. I don't have a specific pick with either sex but I know when Willie turned 10 years old he got super aggressive with me when he reached full maturity. Lola isn't there yet so I'm not sure what she's gonna be like once she reaches full maturity.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi Rachael, and welcome to the forum.

I am owned by 2 big macs, a GW and a B&G. Both are males. Niko (B&G) has been with me since he was 4 months old and 2 years ago Ripley (GW) found his way into my heart when he was 18 months.

They get along splendidly! I do NOT house them in the same cage, but they spend a large amount of time together on combined Java Trees. I consider myself very lucky that the 2 of them hit it off like that, however, none of them are sexually mature yet, and I can't foresee what will happen once they reach that stage.

 

[Solo]

Thank you all for your advice. I'm a dog trainer and a lot of this seems very familiar, just want to make sure I KNOW what I'm possibly getting into. I'm very impressed with this forum